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elles_library's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS FUCKING BOOK BRO. THIS FUCKING BOOK. HAD ME CRYING FROM CHAPTER FUCKING ONE. I SOBBED MY WAY THROUGH THIS. The pure love between Tate and Lacey wash just UGHHH!!! But the shit they had to go through their entire lives, the story kept revealing more and more and so I cried more and more. The plot twists and turns just kept fucking coming, this book did not let me fucking breathe or relax for a second. Ugh but I loved it so much. Definitely one of my favourite reads ever. Top three for sure maybe top one I don't know. But this broke me, and then broke me again and again. Put me together and then broke me more and finally patched me up battered and bruised very much like the MCs were. I'm almost scared to re read this but it doesn't ever leave my mind
Tate Young (Saint/Noble) and Lacey
Tate Young (Saint/Noble) and Lacey
dreamingwithwords's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.5 (This book is Extremely graphic right from the start so please read trigger warnings)
I started this book thinking it was gonna be a typical MC romance, instead, I got a lot more, to say the least. The author is very good at completely stealing your attention.
This book spoke to me because most books within this genre approach emotions as weaknesses. The complete opposite was present throughout this book, and that showed a depth I was not ready for. The character development and building were represented beautifully, and every character had so many layers. I loved how willing the author was to show the challenges that come with deep realizations.
My favourite aspect had to be the found family present throughout, seeing everyone within the MC immediately taking to our main characters was everything. Seeing the bikers just absolutely loving on Saint, and celebrating every new experience alone with him was so pure.
My biggest criticism of this book was the mess of the plot. It seemed a lot like the author was coming up with random things and just adding them in with no regard for anything else. Yes, Saint has horrible trauma, but it was not necessary to add every horrible thing one could think of to gain more sympathy. We already had that with just the initial trauma. Due to all the confusing add-ons and well, plot holes, it's very hard to keep up.
I was also confused about why there was open-door content featuring the main characters, they are 17.
Lastly, I would not consider the FMC a main character. We read about her trauma a lot and we know that all of the MMC's motivations are her, but she's just not present for any of the book. Her personality is never properly revealed to us, and she spends the entire book essentially processing her trauma. This is realistic but it also means she feels incomplete because we can see Saint develop ourselves. (I did not read the prequel, im unsure whether that would impact this opinion)
I will be reading the other books within this universe, there is a lot of potential.
I started this book thinking it was gonna be a typical MC romance, instead, I got a lot more, to say the least. The author is very good at completely stealing your attention.
This book spoke to me because most books within this genre approach emotions as weaknesses. The complete opposite was present throughout this book, and that showed a depth I was not ready for. The character development and building were represented beautifully, and every character had so many layers. I loved how willing the author was to show the challenges that come with deep realizations.
My favourite aspect had to be the found family present throughout, seeing everyone within the MC immediately taking to our main characters was everything. Seeing the bikers just absolutely loving on Saint, and celebrating every new experience alone with him was so pure.
My biggest criticism of this book was the mess of the plot. It seemed a lot like the author was coming up with random things and just adding them in with no regard for anything else. Yes, Saint has horrible trauma, but it was not necessary to add every horrible thing one could think of to gain more sympathy. We already had that with just the initial trauma. Due to all the confusing add-ons and well, plot holes, it's very hard to keep up.
I was also confused about why there was open-door content featuring the main characters, they are 17.
Lastly, I would not consider the FMC a main character. We read about her trauma a lot and we know that all of the MMC's motivations are her, but she's just not present for any of the book. Her personality is never properly revealed to us, and she spends the entire book essentially processing her trauma. This is realistic but it also means she feels incomplete because we can see Saint develop ourselves. (I did not read the prequel, im unsure whether that would impact this opinion)
I will be reading the other books within this universe, there is a lot of potential.
reb_reads0715's review
5.0
This is a new to me author and holy shit! How have I never read her books before? This story sucked me in and never let go. I was on a rollercoaster
rihoward's review
5.0
I am not sure where to even start with this review. That seems to happen a lot when I read anything from this author. She never ceases to take me on a journey that is sure to stir up a maelstrom of emotions. I am always captivated by this author's innate ability to tap into my soul with her words but somehow, every time, she manages to do it. This book is an example of that gift.
I first had read about these amazing characters from the Institute anthology. That story was later redone as Hostile Illusions and from both versions, I was hooked. Her words are poignantly juxtaposed with heartbreak. Yet, it is always redemptive in a way because it also shows the power of love and hope. She is not afraid to tackle subjects that are uncomfortable because she knows the power of words and action. The back story and mystery that went on in this story and the reasons why behind it were horrifying for lack of a different word. Yet, that is the power because things like this are happening in the world.
From the first moment I met Lacey and Tate, I wanted to reach into my kindle and love them. I have been waiting for what seems like forever to finally see them find a sense of peace and happiness. Good Lord did they ever deserve it. I saw them briefly at the end of the Haunted Roads series and my heart soared because they were doing well. What I didn't know was their story of how they got to that point from Hostile Illusions. I finally got that backstory. I thought I was prepared for it but holy hell was this a bumpy ride. Even with some of the memories being talked about a second time, I still was not prepared for it. That is par for the course with this author though, she always takes me in a different direction than I was expecting.
As mentioned, this road is bumpy, like offroading on crack. Even though this story hurts to read in parts, it still was beautiful. I think that is one of the things that always leaves me in awe with this author is that she can always traverse the fine line of being TOO much without falling into the precipice of the abyss. There are truth and beauty in everything she writes. However, she doesn't sugarcoat the darkness and depravity of mankind. Watching these characters that have been through hell and back come back from what I imagine the 10th level of purgatory to be and find that they were, as the singer Pink says, "...not broken, just bent" is the greatest reward for not just Tate and Lacey or the secondary characters that stole my heart, but it is also a reward for me, the reader because it proves that love can heal, and these characters can do it together.
I am a firm believer in signs and this book had them. I like it when an author can do that because it makes the story feel that much more authentic which is remarkable considering this still is a work of fiction. The ending was a sucker punch on where she intends to take this story. Even though Tate and Lacey's story is over, I imagine I will be seeing them again in the future in a different book. The author sure tied together this book and a morsel of goodness that gives the idea of what is to come in the next book, and I just have to say that I am here for it.
I will give a warning that this book is heavy and has triggers. Proceed accordingly. For those out there willing to try it, I can say that the superb writing and amazing story and characters will not let you down in this book. just like with every book that this amazing author writes, she leaves me spellbound, and she always, without fail, changes the template of who I am by way of her words. She changes how I see the world around me. I am ever watchful. Kudos to this author.
I first had read about these amazing characters from the Institute anthology. That story was later redone as Hostile Illusions and from both versions, I was hooked. Her words are poignantly juxtaposed with heartbreak. Yet, it is always redemptive in a way because it also shows the power of love and hope. She is not afraid to tackle subjects that are uncomfortable because she knows the power of words and action. The back story and mystery that went on in this story and the reasons why behind it were horrifying for lack of a different word. Yet, that is the power because things like this are happening in the world.
From the first moment I met Lacey and Tate, I wanted to reach into my kindle and love them. I have been waiting for what seems like forever to finally see them find a sense of peace and happiness. Good Lord did they ever deserve it. I saw them briefly at the end of the Haunted Roads series and my heart soared because they were doing well. What I didn't know was their story of how they got to that point from Hostile Illusions. I finally got that backstory. I thought I was prepared for it but holy hell was this a bumpy ride. Even with some of the memories being talked about a second time, I still was not prepared for it. That is par for the course with this author though, she always takes me in a different direction than I was expecting.
As mentioned, this road is bumpy, like offroading on crack. Even though this story hurts to read in parts, it still was beautiful. I think that is one of the things that always leaves me in awe with this author is that she can always traverse the fine line of being TOO much without falling into the precipice of the abyss. There are truth and beauty in everything she writes. However, she doesn't sugarcoat the darkness and depravity of mankind. Watching these characters that have been through hell and back come back from what I imagine the 10th level of purgatory to be and find that they were, as the singer Pink says, "...not broken, just bent" is the greatest reward for not just Tate and Lacey or the secondary characters that stole my heart, but it is also a reward for me, the reader because it proves that love can heal, and these characters can do it together.
I am a firm believer in signs and this book had them. I like it when an author can do that because it makes the story feel that much more authentic which is remarkable considering this still is a work of fiction. The ending was a sucker punch on where she intends to take this story. Even though Tate and Lacey's story is over, I imagine I will be seeing them again in the future in a different book. The author sure tied together this book and a morsel of goodness that gives the idea of what is to come in the next book, and I just have to say that I am here for it.
I will give a warning that this book is heavy and has triggers. Proceed accordingly. For those out there willing to try it, I can say that the superb writing and amazing story and characters will not let you down in this book. just like with every book that this amazing author writes, she leaves me spellbound, and she always, without fail, changes the template of who I am by way of her words. She changes how I see the world around me. I am ever watchful. Kudos to this author.
ambi925's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
4.75
brookey8888's review
I’m sorry the writing is not good and is actually making me cringe. I’m also not intrigued enough with the story to continue. Maybe I’ll pick this up again, but I doubt it.
bailees_bookshelf's review
4.0
4 stars
Please check your trigger warnings before reading this. It’s rough.
This a the story about two souls that have been through an incredible amount of pain together and separately, and still never gave up on themselves or each other through it all.
Please be sure to read the novella Hostile Illusions that can be found on the authors website before reading Hostile Saint.
These books will have you setting them down before continuing at some parts. Incredibly heartbreaking, but also so fulfilling. I was in awe of the two main characters and how they persevered through everything they had been through in their lives the entire time I was reading. The plot twists were insane and the motivations behind the antagonists’ goals were very disturbing. But, love perseveres.
Please check your trigger warnings before reading this. It’s rough.
This a the story about two souls that have been through an incredible amount of pain together and separately, and still never gave up on themselves or each other through it all.
Please be sure to read the novella Hostile Illusions that can be found on the authors website before reading Hostile Saint.
These books will have you setting them down before continuing at some parts. Incredibly heartbreaking, but also so fulfilling. I was in awe of the two main characters and how they persevered through everything they had been through in their lives the entire time I was reading. The plot twists were insane and the motivations behind the antagonists’ goals were very disturbing. But, love perseveres.
ash_b_s's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shaykay's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had huge hopes for this book when I first picked it up because that novella was intense! But I feel like I hyped it up in my head too much. First, we finally jump into Tate's POV. I was desperate for it in the novella. But we always keep POVs the same during this book. Plus, it took forever for us to catch up to the hospital and even for these two to reunite. It's just chaotic. Even though I didn't love this one as I had hoped, there were a lot of things in this book that I liked. Now, this one is one of the darkest books I've read. It gets very graphic, so it's only for some. So, if you are curious about this one, especially after reading the novella, check the content warnings because it's so much darker than the novella. This one is also technically the first in the series, so some of the things that I believe were left unanswered on purpose will come up again in later books, and I'm curious to see how.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Rape, Torture, and Violence